9 Badly Reviewed FPS Games That Are Actually Pretty Good

Not so long ago, I was often seen as the ultimate cultural adversary among the masses, flaunting my obscure music tastes with lines like “you’ve never heard of this band” and opting for craft beers over plain old H2O.

Currently, I’m not particularly fond of the hipster culture, but I do enjoy first-person shooter games immensely. However, just as people have differing opinions about excellent beers, there’s no universal agreement on what constitutes a top-notch FPS.

As a passionate gamer, it can be quite challenging for me to sift through countless games available on platforms like Steam or OpenCritic, especially when game scores seem somewhat subjective or closely tied to the current trends surrounding their launch.

Here are nine remarkable shooter games, less mainstream but equally captivating, that I believe you might find intriguing.

While some of these IPAs didn’t win over critics, others didn’t resonate with the community, and many fell short for both groups. Yet, what sets them apart is that each one has its unique charm.

Even though not everyone might agree on their greatness, you can count on them being exceptional in their individual ways.

To be included on this list, the game needed to have a score that dipped below 70% or its equivalent on Steam or any review aggregating platform.

9. Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Nazi-Bashing With Friends

The anticipated grand entrance of the Wolfenstein series into the contemporary era, instead, received mixed responses from critics (67% on OpenCritic) and left numerous fans dissatisfied (45% on Steam).

In contrast to many hit shooter games from 2019, Wolfenstein: Youngblood offered a distinctive, daring gaming experience that didn’t resonate positively with everyone.

Working together can be controversial for some, since not all individuals have a trustworthy teammate to join them in fighting against the Nazis.

1. The developers didn’t win much approval from players regarding the weapon leveling system, and the various armor levels also didn’t prove particularly popular.

2. Players didn’t seem to appreciate the weapon leveling mechanism introduced by the developers, and the multiple armor tiers also fell flat.

3. The weapon leveling business received little praise from the gaming community, while the different armor tiers weren’t well-received either.

4. In terms of player feedback, the developers didn’t get much credit for the weapon leveling system, and the various armor levels also didn’t resonate with players.

5. The weapon leveling feature didn’t win over many players, and the multiple armor tiers didn’t strike a chord with gamers.

If those aspects don’t bother you, then you’re left with an exceptionally engaging Wolfenstein experience.

Arkane truly excelled with their level design, offering a flexible, non-sequential exploration experience – a refreshing change from typical shoot-’em-up games.

Don’t shy away from the 1980s action film cringe; embrace it instead.

8. Spectre Divide

Another Victim of Live Service Models

If you’re not familiar with Spectre Divide, that’s perfectly fine. Introduced in September 2024, this dynamic live-service game showcased some of the most captivating art styles in contemporary gaming. Unfortunately, it ceased to exist just six months later. Discussing Spectre Divide is bittersweet as it serves as a grim reminder of the ruthless nature of the video game industry.

The game titled “Spectre Divide” was a unique arena shooter that stood out with its vibrant, cartoonish visuals, a deliberately paced gameplay speed for its genre, and an intriguing gameplay mechanic allowing you to control two characters simultaneously. This added some advanced strategic layers, making it not only enjoyable but also a blast to play.

In addition to its captivating graphics and gameplay mechanics, the shooting action and sound effects truly shine. The weapon handling is so realistic, it could fit seamlessly into a hardcore tactical shooter game.

The majority of unfavorable reviews, placing it in the lower 60% range on Steam and OpenCritic, often point out expensive cosmetics, prolonged matchmaking periods, and performance issues. Although this criticism is valid, what ultimately led to the demise of Spectre Divide was simply a lack of widespread appeal.

According to Steam player statistics, the game launched with more than 30,000 players, however, it never surpassed the 2,000 player mark six weeks later. The spirit of ingenuity that brought about Spectre Divide, though seemingly defunct, doesn’t have to perish along with it.

7. Trespasser

Too Much, Too Soon, Too Good

If I mentioned that Steven Spielberg and his crew developed a Jurassic Park video game, you’d probably expect great things. Regrettably, the launch of Trespasser turned out to be a massive failure which significantly contributed to Spielberg leaving the gaming industry. The game received an overall score of 57% and only about 50,000 copies were sold.

Over time, I find myself growing increasingly disappointed in our society for failing to recognize the genius of Trespasser sooner. This PC adventure game was exceptionally realistic, shunning traditional HUD (Heads Up Display) and instead relying on a fully physics-based engine to deliver an unparalleled experience.

In the game Trespassing, you don’t control where the gun’s bullet is aimed directly, instead, you move the character’s hand that’s holding the gun. When you pull the trigger, a virtual bullet is simulated traveling from the barrel to its target, as opposed to using your crosshair or hitscan aiming.

In a modern context, such dedication to realism remains noteworthy, yet it’s crucial to recall that this work was produced in 1998! Instead of boasting about intricate details alone, it excelled at creating immersive worlds, with map dimensions that continue to impress us today.

Even by today’s standards, the level of realism showcased back then is still commendable. However, let’s not forget that this masterpiece was born in 1998! Rather than merely flaunting technical details, it shone in world-building too, with maps that retain their grandeur to this day.

Developing a survival action game ahead of technological advancements was quite a daring move that didn’t reap significant commercial success, however, if you are fond of the gameplay style in Half-Life 2, you might find it worthwhile to spend a couple of hours exploring Trespasser.

6. Green Army Men

Ramirez, Secure The Toy Box

Allow me to clarify before any potential annoyance arises: Just as The Game Awards can consider a DLC for Game of the Year, I am including it in this list as well.

If your childhood involved enjoying various toys, being captivated by the movie “Toy Story”, or getting engrossed in the classic “Army Men” video game series around the millennium, it’s likely that you hold a fond affection for those miniature toy soldiers.

While Green Army Men may appear to be an expansion pack for Rising Storm 2: Vietnam, it is more accurately described as a comprehensive overhaul. Instead of the contentious setting of Vietnam, this mod transforms the environment into a cheerful and nurturing domestic space.

Critics have raised two key issues with the game Green Army Men. Firstly, it features different ballistics compared to the original game, and secondly, the servers don’t always have players online. While these points are valid, they seem to overshadow the enjoyable aspects of the game significantly, as indicated by the relatively low 48% score on Steam.

As a fellow enthusiast, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the unparalleled joy experienced when, amidst friendly company, you find yourself toppling from a table in the wake of a nearby grenade explosion. The thrill of such an event never fades!

5. Delta Force

The Best Things in Life Are Free

Navigating a field brimming with competition, steeped in tradition, and marked by strong allegiances isn’t typically straightforward, especially if you choose to emulate a timeless icon. The challenge becomes more daunting in such circumstances.

Team Jade’s Delta Force doesn’t have any direct link with Novalogic’s renowned shooter franchise, yet they share a blend of moderate criticism (61%) and unwavering affection from dedicated enthusiasts.

Indeed, the 2024 version of “Delta Force” appears quite unique. It’s like playing multiple games under one trench coat, as its modes exhibit such diverse playstyles. However, once you grasp its mechanics, you’ll appreciate that this diversity is what makes “Delta Force” truly remarkable.

Warfare mode surpasses Battlefield 2042 by offering an enhanced experience, while Operations delivers the intensity of Escape From Tarkov but simplifies it for a wider audience. The game Black Hawk Down, with its 44% score on Steam, presents methodical hardcore action that rivals Six Days in Fallujah in terms of pacing and complexity.

You might think “at least it’s free” is a valid point, but it undermines the quality of the game. Delta Force operates smoothly on most computers with an impressive visual appeal, while delivering a refined mainstream FPS experience that starkly highlights the shoddiness of Call of Duty over the past decade.

4. Gray Zone Warfare

Better Run Through The Jungle

What’s that quote about delayed games and sucking again?

In April 2024, the release of Gray Zone Warfare left many yearning for a lively player community. Critics across various media platforms voiced their disappointment over its sluggish performance, dull AI interactions, and monotonous gameplay loop consisting of “arrive, shoot, depart, repeat.

Over the past year, the game has made significant strides, yet its more current Steam reviews still show a divided opinion with an average score of 66%.

This game is truly exceptional, but it may not appeal to everyone due to certain design choices. Navigating on foot takes a significant amount of time, enemies are scarcely encountered outside of towns and military bases, and most of the items you come across during your exploration hold little value.

You will find a streamlined version of the “tactical Barbie” character, which appeals to fans who enjoy tactical gameplay and firearms, along with simple yet challenging mercenary missions that primarily involve performing tasks others can’t or won’t do.

The essence of this game lies in its strong community features. In my countless hours spent on Lamang Island, I’ve found myself raiding towns alongside total strangers, busting down doors and soaring through the skies in helicopters, as if we were the stars of an ’80s action flick. While the ordinary moments may not stand out, Gray Zone Warfare is tough to surpass when everything falls into place.

3. Battlefield Hardline

Miami’s Finest

Engaging in a lively game of “cops and robbers” during recess embodies the ultimate playground adventure. Battlefield Hardline, however, takes this concept to another level by incorporating an abundance of weaponry and unique gaming elements as well.

2013 presented challenges for DICE with the release of Battlefield 4. In an effort to regain momentum, they introduced Hardline as their new attempt. This game marked a significant shift in tone and gameplay compared to previous Battlefield titles, which is a risky move that not everyone appreciates. As a result, both players and critics offered mixed reviews on the game.

Battlefield Hardline offers a thrilling, invigorating chaos unlike any other. Innovative gameplay modes such as Rescue and Hotwire, while keeping the essence of Conquest, provide a fresh take on the established Battlefield formula.

Battlefield Hardline’s action is exhilarating in an unexpectedly enjoyable way. New game settings like Rescue and Hotwire add excitement to the traditional Conquest mode, offering a unique twist on the classic Battlefield experience.

In the game “Battlefield Hardline,” the storyline can sometimes seem fragmented, yet it effectively unfolds into a captivating narrative about a police officer battling drug trafficking in Miami. Though it may not achieve the peaks of “Battlefield 3,” it still stands as one of the most striking campaigns within the series.

2. Medal of Honor: Warfighter

Tier One Gaming

A disastrous release often spells doom for new games, and Medal of Honor: Warfighter is notable as it contributed to the decline of one of the most famous shooter series upon its unsuccessful 2012 launch. However, I find myself returning to it frequently despite this.

Sometimes, the narrative can be a bit cheesy and employs an unconventional, non-sequential storytelling style that might seem disorganized to some players. However, it’s important to note that the game wasn’t criticized for being too straightforward or simplistic because of this, but rather due to external expectations.

In the early 2010s, both players and critics found themselves enamored with the action-packed sequences and intriguing plots of Call of Duty. However, a narrative centered around globetrotting to execute minor missions aimed at dismantling shipments of explosives from a singular terrorist group was met with indifference or received an average rating of 53%, if assessed collectively.

Looking back, it’s clear that Call of Duty’s ambition ultimately led to a more intense iteration of Fortnite, which left gamers who prefer realistic first-person shooter games feeling neglected.

In Medal of Honor: Warfighter, the missions and challenges felt real and were expertly executed, such as the thrilling hostage rescue mission conducted alongside Philippine special forces during a typhoon on Basilan island – an experience that remains deeply etched in the minds of gamers.

Other noteworthy moments include a thrilling foot pursuit disguised as an undercover operation in a bustling Pakistani market, reminiscent of high-speed pursuits seen in the Need for Speed series.

1. Verdun

Embrace The Trench Life

Occasionally, certain gamers engage in lengthy discussions about the perceived chasm between game reporting and the gaming public. Often, these conversations stray from gaming topics, but cases such as the game “Verdun” demonstrate exceptions to this rule.

The game titled “WW1 Trench Shooter” was released in the year 2015, receiving a 57% evaluation from prominent critics who deemed it a “difficult and laborious experience” due to its “flawed execution.” Contrastingly, if you explore Steam, you’ll discover that the game Verdun has consistently maintained an average review rating of over 80%.

Verdun may not appeal to everyone, just as not everyone enjoys experiencing intense combat like being stabbed with a bayonet during heavy gunfire.

The very aspect that makes Verdun difficult to reach is what makes it exceptional – its unwavering dedication to portraying war in a realistic manner. This means you won’t find many dramatic cinematic scenes, but there’s also no excessive violence or gore for the sake of it.

Reflecting upon the minutes spent listening to the agonizing cries of a man I’d wounded, it becomes strikingly apparent just how profoundly wretched and unyielding this conflict is. Similarly to games like “This War of Mine” and “Verdun”, these titles serve as essential reminders for those living in tranquil regions, helping them recall the undeniable human aspect that war entails.

2025-04-04 16:43